Bear & Sons

[sawman]

I've seen quite a few posts including the "bear jaws" and mini versions, but I can't recall seeing any of their products on major retail online or storefront.  Are they still in business/producing multi-tools?  If so, what is their latest product and where do you buy them?

Thanks in advance 

[Chako]

http://www.bearandsoncutlery.com/index.php?submenu=Products&src=directory&view=Products&category=MULTI-TOOLS

Buying them is the harder part. I check eBay often. Sazabi has a few Crescent ToolZall models which are Bear & Son models. Bear & Son Mts are a bit hard to come by.

[sawman]

Thanks Chako, that's a pretty cool looking line of tools.  I really like the looks of the 4" Bear Jaws except for what appears to be a lanyard loop.  I think I'm gonna have to add one of these to the collection 

[Grant Lamontagne]

If you are interested in Bear, you should check out this article as well:

Bear Scout and Why It Matters

Def

[sawman]

If you are interested in Bear, you should check out this article as well:

Bear Scout and Why It Matters

Def

Some interesting history there, thanks Def   

[MultiMat]

I love the way Victorinox bought the company to access their patents & make the Swisstool using the ideas in the patents.You could argue the Swisstool is more American than Swiss 

Sawman just avoid Bear's with tool locks , they are very hit & miss(more miss I think). The locks often do not properly lock the tool(s)in place

[sawman]

Nonworking tool locks does not sound good to me.  The model I was looking at 155L I think had them 

[DaveK]

Nonworking tool locks does not sound good to me.  The model I was looking at 155L I think had them 

Yes - the "L" means locking (155 v 155L).

[Chako]

Bear & Son uses a locking mechanism that is unique to the MT world (or at least I am unaware of any others using it). You have dedicated levers, one per handle, that you press down to unlock your tools. Now, the Schrade ST1 had specific tools that you had to press down to unlock, but Bear uses these levers. In some locking Bears, the levers are long enough to act as a sort of spring mechanism that keeps the jaws open because they hit each other. In other Bear locking tools, it does not do that. So yes, a bit of hit and miss for sure.

[DaveK]

I made some comments about the Bear Jaws 155 / 155l / 155EL on my blog ages ago here if you're interested Sawman

[sawman]

I made some comments about the Bear Jaws 155 / 155l / 155EL on my blog ages ago here if you're interested Sawman

Thanks Dave, I added it to my bookmarks 

[sawman]

I acquired a couple Toolzall 155 pro's and surprisingly, they're a lot different than in their pictures.  I have no issues with any of the screwdrivers or blades, as they appear to be quite suitable for the task.  The tool lockup is top notch - keep in mind this is not the locking version (I may yet get ahold of one of those to look at).  The pliers seem to be spot on and overall I would definitely use this tool.  I do wonder what the 'lanyard loop' is doing in there, but the tool is so impressive I will let that slide - though an awl would be nice 

Thanks to everyone for the useful info/encouragement to try this tool out.  My EDC now has another super cool multitool to choose from 

[Chako]

Glad to hear you like the Toolzall.

[David]

Sawman the Toolzall Pro ia a good one.     I preferr the nonlocking 155 and 156. The locks on the 156L dont bother me as much as the 155L But still dont care for them. I really hope Bear will do some improvements with the locks someday. They really are good tools.